Using web-based video to enhance physical examination skills in medical students.
OBJECTIVE
Physical examination (PE) skills among U.S. medical students have been shown to be deficient. This study examines the effect of a Web-based physical examination curriculum on first-year medical student PE skills.


METHODS
Web-based video clips, consisting of instruction in 77 elements of the physical examination, were created using Microsoft Windows Moviemaker software. Medical students' PE skills were evaluated by standardized patients before and after implementation of the Internet-based video.


RESULTS
Following implementation of this curriculum, there was a higher level of competency (from 87% in 2002-2003 to 91% in 2004-2005), and poor performances on standardized patient PE exams substantially diminished (from a 14%-22%failure rate in 2002-2003, to 4% in 2004-2005.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant improvement in first-year medical student performance on the adult PE occurred after implementing Web-based instructional video.
Orientale
Eugene
E
Department of Family Medicine, University of Connecticut, USA. eorienta@stfranciscare.org
Kosowicz
Lynn
L
Alerte
Anton
A
Pfeiffer
Carol
C
Harrington
Karen
K
Palley
Jane
J
Brown
Stacey
S
Sapieha-Yanchak
Teresa
T
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D018961:Educational Technology / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D013337:Students, Medical; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014741:Video Recording